Checking & adjusting power steering fluid

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Check and adjust power steering fluid level as necessary.

Personal safety

Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:

• Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
• Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
• Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
• Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
• Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators

If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.

Safety check

• Avoid rotating engine components when you are checking the fluid level.
• Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Points to note

• The power steering fluid should be at operating temperature to ensure an accurate reading of the fluid level.
• Always refer to the shop manual for the recommended type of power steering fluid.
• Oils and fluids tend to expand in volume when they are heated.
• The manufacturer has specified an optimum level of the power steering fluid and it is assumed that when the fluid is hot, it will be at this level. If the fluid is cold, it may be at a lower level.
• The term 'bushing', used in this topic as a component name, may be more familiar to you as 'bush' or bushes'.

Part 2: Step-by-step instruction

1. Prepare the steering system for a fluid check
   With the engine at the normal idle speed, you should turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a number of times. This will ensure the fluid is hot and the level is more accurate. Now, turn the engine off.
2. Check power steering fluid
   Locate the power steering pump in your vehicle, by checking the owner’s manual. Unscrew the cap on top of the pump and check if the fluid reaches the fill mark on the dipstick.
3. Top-up power steering fluid
   If the level is low, check your owner’s manual or shop manual to see what kind of fluid your power steering pump requires, and fill it to the proper level. If the vehicle has a plastic reservoir, check the markers to see if any fluid needs to be added. Remember that using the wrong type of fluid can result in damage to the various seals in the system.